Robinson Insurance offsets carbon footprint, one solar panel at a time

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 12, 2013) - Robinson Insurance Brokers Ltd., one of Western Canada's leading boutique commercial insurance brokers, is continuing to dedicate efforts towards environmental sustainability with their move into a new eco-office. Robinson Insurance has a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. For years, they have been taking steps to lessen their environmental impact. The move to an environmentally sustainable office is just the latest step taken by the brokerage, who have made strides to reduce their carbon footprint by using energy efficient electronics and computers as well as electronic filing and communication systems.

Within the first few weeks at their new office, Robinson Insurance Brokers had offset 394 lbs of carbon with their solar panels- equivalent to the carbon offset of five trees, and is enough energy to power the office for nine days. They have also seen substantial energy savings from the windows and insulation.

The summer months will see a huge increase in the benefits of the solar energy panels at Robinson Insurance; in the summer the panels will remain uncovered and therefore generate a much larger amount energy.

"We know through the relationships we've built that the environment is a focus for not only Robinson Insurance but for our clients. While our insurance offering is excellent, this new office also allows us to align with our clients' environmental goals," explains Daniel Robinson, President of Robinson Insurance. "I want to set an example of how local businesses can operate in a more environmentally conscious way, and the first few months in our new office have demonstrated that we can easily operate in a sustainable manner."

Another highlight of the new office is that it is located within an existing community. "The environmental impact of creating new industrial subdivisions is substantial," explains Robinson. "We chose to go a more environmentally friendly direction that also allows us to offer a balance and energy that comes with being part of an existing community." The new office is solar powered, using a 3.4kWh Photovoltaic roof top system, and uses natural light through windows and skylights. The space also uses radiant solar heating and low wattage electronics. The office has been converted from an older building, with sustainable materials and improved framework. Likewise, the new office environment is a bright and healthy atmosphere for staff, with plenty of natural light, and a picnic area for the warmer months.

Moving into an eco-friendly office makes Robinson Insurance one of the first Canadian insurance brokerage to react to a worldwide concern about wasting resources.

About Robinson Insurance

Robinson Insurance Brokers Ltd. is 100% independent and Alberta owned. Robinson Insurance ensures that their customer's interests come first by maintaining their financial and corporate independence from major insurance companies. They have been independent from their inception 1989 and maintain a long-standing membership with The Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA). Robinson Insurance prides itself on maintaining professional relationships with clients throughout Alberta, BC, NWT, and Saskatchewan. Backed by a strong heritage, Robinson Insurance Brokers Ltd. continues a firm mandate of providing excellent coverage and services with top quality insurers.